take the mick / mickey out of sb

/tˈeɪk ðə mˈɪk mˈɪkɪ ˌaʊtəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

/tˈeɪk ðə mˈɪk mˈɪki ˌaʊɾəv ˌɛsbˈiː/

to take the mick / mickey out of sb

to tease a person by copying what they do, trick them into believing something, etc., often in a way that is not friendly

What is the origin of the idiom "take the mickey out of someone" and when to use it?

The idiom "take the mickey out of someone" is thought to be a British slang term with uncertain origins. It's believed to have originated in the early 20th century, and its exact source is unclear. Some theories suggest that "mickey" may be a euphemism for "micturate" (urinate), but the true origin remains a subject of debate. This expression is used when someone makes fun of or teases another person, often in a light-hearted or mocking manner. It's a way of saying that someone is playfully ridiculing someone else. While the phrase is more common in British English, it can be understood and used in various English-speaking regions.

Examples

1. He’s always taking the mickey out of me.

2. He’s always taking the mickey out of me.

3. Cristina literally takes the mick out of everyone.

4. Cristina literally takes the mick out of everyone.